Economy Of Lutzmannsburg
Lutzmannsburg’s economy has not always been dynamic. The community has long suffered from its proximity to the Iron Curtain. Just a few miles away, the communist government closed and heavily guarded its border with Hungary. Lutzmannsburg was therefore essentially cut off from a cheap labor pool and a potential market. This limited the economy to generating agricultural products, especially wine.
Yet wine production was not particularly profitable either. Competition was fierce with other wine regions; the soil and temperature of the region were not suitable for producing premium grapes. Additionally, consumers in the 1980s preferred other drinks, which helped drive down demand for wine. Many wine growers have had to abandon their activity or turn to another type of cultivation.
A Turnaround with Thermal Baths
The situation changed dramatically when thermal water became a new source of income in the 1990s. According to a drilling project carried out in 1992, Lutzmannsburg had an abundant underground reservoir of hot mineral water with a temperature of around 50°C. This is how the idea of creating a thermal complex serving visitors seeking leisure and well-being was born.
Public and private support enabled the project to see the light of day. The world’s first spa resort, Sonnentherme opened its doors in 1994. Two other hotels followed in 1997 and 2005: Thermenhotel Kurz and Thermenhotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Water slides, saunas, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, among other features, are found in the thermal baths. Catering particularly to families with children, they also offer playgrounds, entertainment events and childcare.
The thermal baths were very popular with almost 400,000 visitors per year. In the retail, catering and hospitality sectors too, they have created many jobs, directly and indirectly. The thermal baths improved the image and prestige of Lutzmannsburg and stimulated neighboring businesses. Among other neighboring countries, Austria, Germany, Slovakia and Hungary have known the city as a wellness destination.
Traffic and Transportation
The creation of the thermal baths affected the traffic and transport system of Lutzmannsburg. The roads leading to the municipality from the west and north respectively are Landesstraße 225 (Lutzmannsburger Landesstraße), which branches off from Bundesstraße 61 (Günser Straße) in Unterpullendorf, and Landesstraße 228 (Nikitscher Landesstraße), which branches off from Bundesstraße 61 (Deutschkreutzer Straße) in Deutschkreutz.
That said, from the south, crossing the historic border with Hungary is the easiest way to reach Lutzmannsburg. Closed on December 21, 2007, the border post is located right next to the thermal baths. Just three kilometers up the road is the town of Zsira, or Tening in German. From then on, the Hungarian motorway network allows you to reach Budapest and other major cities.
Pedestrians and cyclists are welcome to cross the border and enjoy the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of both countries. Yet it is closed to motor vehicles even with the Schengen agreement in force and the border open. Drivers must therefore choose the more expensive and longer route via Sopron or Deutschkreutz.
Conflict over Opening the Border Crossing for Motor Vehicles
For many years there have been conflicts and discussions over the opening of the automobile border crossing. Supporters of this project claim, on the one hand, that it would benefit Zsira as well as Lutzmannsburg. According to them, more visitors, especially from Hungary, would visit the region and spend more time and money there. They also point out that many residents have friends, relatives and business contacts across the border, improving their mobility and integration.
On the other hand, some oppose the concept because they believe it would harm Lutzmannsburg. They argue that, especially near hotels and hot springs, this would worsen traffic jams, noise pollution and pollution in general. They also fear compromising the safety of residents and guests, as well as the quality and uniqueness of the wellness experience.
The opening of the border crossing is mainly opposed by the Lutzmannsburg tourism association and the local council. On November 5, 2007, Mayor Günther Toth openly confirmed the position of the city council in an interview with ORF Burgenland television. The refusal was justified by the proximity of the passage to the rest areas of the thermal baths and hotels. Although this argument makes sense, in the era of open borders and a united Europe, this approach still seems misplaced. The main opponents of the Schengen agreement are Austrians living near the Hungarian border, who say the agreement “allows free border crossings wherever possible.”
The conflict intensified in spring 2008 when the neighboring Hungarian municipality of Zsira insisted on a link and presented a proposal including a route elsewhere. At the entrance to the town, to the north of the hotels, the project included the construction of a bypass road connecting the main road. The road would find another border crossing far from the thermal baths. The initiative also included a shuttle service, a bicycle rental company and a cooperative tourist information center.
Offering to pay eighty percent of the costs, the Hungarian government supported the initiative. Seeing this as an opportunity to advance cross-border development and cooperation, the Burgenland state government also adopted it. Lutzmannsburg, on the other hand, insisted on keeping things as they were and refused the initiative. The municipality said the project was too expensive, too complex and too dangerous. Additionally, she claimed she was neither contacted nor included in the planning process.
Although many have attempted to find common ground or a solution, the conflict has persisted for years. The road project has been abandoned since 2017 and cars are still not allowed to cross the border. This situation reflects the difficulties and dilemmas faced by small border towns in the context of European integration. Some see the border as a threat and a barrier; others see it as a resource and an opportunity. The question is whether Lutzmannsburg can overcome its reservations and seize its chance to serve as a link between two countries and two civilizations.
Viticulture
Establishing its viticulture as early as 1218, Lutzmannsburg is one of the oldest wine-growing towns in the region. The city’s rich history is closely linked to winemaking know-how.
Covering nearly 180 hectares, the historic Sonnberg Vineyard was planted with vines as early as the 13th century, proof of the community’s unwavering commitment to its winemaking heritage.
The town of Lutzmannsburg’s early appreciation of the winemaking capacity earned it permission to export its wines abroad, a privilege granted only to wines of exceptional quality. A hidden gem among wine drinkers, the Lutzmannsburg vineyard has prospered, expanding rapidly from the 1950s onwards and through the adoption of contemporary agricultural techniques and acceptance of logical economic systems.
For many people in Lutzmannsburg, despite its growing reputation, viticulture remains an additional source of income to complement conventional agricultural activities. The region currently has eighteen wine bottling operations. Lutzmannsburg is one of the municipalities in Blaufränkischland. The following cultivars particularly thrive in this Pannonian environment:
- Red wine: Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Blauburger, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir
- White wine: Müller-Thurgau, Goldburger, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc.
Wine bars abound in the city where customers can taste and purchase wines produced nearby. Among the best-known vineyards of Lutzmannsburg are:
- Weingut Franz Weninger: The family winery Weingut Franz Weninger has been producing organic and biodynamic wines since 2006. Their area of expertise is Blaufränkisch, which they cultivate in different soil types and microclimates. They also produce other red and white grape varieties as well as dessert wines and sparkling wines. Their wines have won several medals and are sold in many countries.
- Weingut K+K Kirnbauer: In 1972, Karl and Christine Kirnbauer opened the Weingut K+K Kirnbauer winery. Their particular expertise concerns red wines, notably Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch. They also make white, rosé and sweet wines. Their signature wine, Das Phantom, is aged in new oak barrels and combines Blaufränkisch, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah for eighteen months. Their wines are also known and distributed throughout the world.
- Weingut Rotweine Lang: Gerhard and Brigitte Lang started this vineyard in 1999. They mainly produce Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Sauvignon, but only red wines. Using natural fermentations and conventional techniques, their wines are aged in oak barrels. They create elegant, sophisticated and well-balanced wines. They also offer wine tastings and guided tours.
Thermal Spa
During drilling on the Angerwiesen near Lutzmannsburg, near the Austro-Hungarian border, thermal water reserves were discovered in 1989-1990, a remarkable achievement. Construction began in June 1993 and the Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg-Frankenau was officially opened on September 17, 1994. Completing its third expansion on May 28, 2003, the thermal oasis was clearly becoming more and more popular.
Designed for families, the thermal baths, with their large aquatic area of 1,581 square meters, offer a refuge for relaxation and rejuvenation. The large complex covers a total area of 44,367 square meters, of which 6,918 square meters are dedicated to built-up areas.
As proof of its commitment to environmental protection, in 1996 the spa received the prestigious environmental award from the Ministry of the Environment. The following year, the healing properties of its thermal waters were officially recognized by doctors.
During the first construction phase, Burgenland purchased a significant 95 percent share in the Thermen GesmbH Lutzmannsburg Frankenau. Lutzmannsburg and Frankenau-Unterpullendorf each owned 2.5 percent of the company. In 2000, the municipalities maintained their individual interests while WIVAG (Wirtschaftsservice Burgenland AG) strategically bought out the state’s interests.
The EU financing plan made it possible to finance the construction of the thermal complex as well as its subsequent improvements. Of the €46.3 million needed between 1995 and 2006, the EU paid €19.5 million (42%). The Lutzmannsburg/Frankenau tourist region has benefited greatly from European Union funding of €28.3 million for various projects, mainly from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which provided 92% of the money.
At a temperature of around 36°C, Lutzmannsburg thermal water contains minerals including sodium, calcium and magnesium. Water is believed to improve blood circulation, muscles, joints and skin condition.
Since opening in 1994, the spa has expanded to offer a range of facilities and attractions including:
- The Sonnentherme: Made up of slides, whirlpools, saunas, hammams, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the Sonnentherme is the main space of the spa. The baby and toddler area, the children’s adventure world and the Sonnentherme amusement park have been specially designed for families with young children. The Sonnenttherme also organizes entertainment events for families.
- The Hotel Sonnenpark: A glass bridge connects the Sonnentherme and the four-star Hotel Sonnenpark. In addition to its 79 rooms and suites, the hotel includes a restaurant, a bar, a café and a wellness area. The hotel also offers babysitting services, spa packages and family events.
- The Golf Club Sonnengolf: Complementing the thermal spa is the 27-hole golf course known as Golf Club Sonnengolf. In addition to varied terrain, the golf course has lovely views of the hills and vineyards. The golf club also has a clubhouse, pro shop, driving range and academy. Accessible to members and non-members alike, the golf club organizes events and competitions.
One of Burgenland’s most popular tourist attractions, the spa resort of Lutzmannsburg welcomes almost 400,000 visitors a year. In addition to the local community, the spa provides revenue and employment to surrounding towns and businesses. The thermal spa works with other businesses, including restaurants, hotels, wineries and cultural associations, to provide visitors with a varied and enjoyable experience.
Campground
The campground is among the more modern additions to the lodging choices available in Lutzmannsburg. Opened in spring 2007, it has 170 campsites and caravans. The private leisure park “Camping Sonnenland” receives 500,000 euros from the Land of Burgenland; it is conveniently located approximately 900 meters from the thermal baths for guests wishing to use the spa services. Built according to Feng Shui concepts, the campsite enjoys a five-star rating for its quality aspects. The pitches vary in size from 115 to 240 square meters and each has water and electricity connections. Visitors also rent SAT receivers, parasols and bicycles. The focal point of the complex is a natural swimming pond of approximately 6,000 square meters with a sandy beach. The campsite also has a restaurant, a shop, a separate weather area and several leisure activities. Families, couples and groups looking for a more peaceful and natural environment usually opt for camping.
Tourism
The travel sector is the main driver of Lutzmannsburg’s economy. The thermal baths attracted visitors from all over Austria and neighboring countries, increasing the demand for guest rooms, overnight stays and local services. Families with children particularly enjoy the thermal baths as they offer a range of attractions and activities suitable for all ages. Two of the awards the thermal baths have won for their quality and inventiveness are the European Health and Spa Prize in 2008 and the Burgenland Tourism Prize in 2009. Thanks in part to the thermal baths, the municipal budget increased from 1,031 228 euros in 1995. to 1,718,300 euros in 2007. In addition, the tax ceiling rate increased from 469.39 euros in 1995 to 755.00 euros in 2005. Thanks to tourist activity, other businesses and City services – restaurants, retail stores, transportation, entertainment – now have more opportunities.
Employment
Working conditions have improved greatly since the construction of the thermal baths. Worker and office workers have proliferated across many sectors, including retail, hospitality and leisure. According to the census, Lutzmannsburg had 48 companies and 227 workers in 2001, compared to 25 companies and 78 employees in 1991. Although exact figures are not yet available, there have been even more offices and staff since then. Thanks to the thermal baths, many residents of the city and surrounding areas now have direct and indirect employment opportunities. Commerce, hotels and restaurants, as well as other public and personal services, are at the top of the most sought-after employment sectors. Thermal baths also contribute to the growth of other sectors, including sport, wellness, culture and education.
